Arrest warrant issued for Ben Cousins after Perth court no-show

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of fallen AFL premiership player Ben Cousins after he failed to appear in a Perth court, telling his lawyer that he was unwell.

The former captain of the West Coast Eagles was due to appear in Armadale Magistrates Court today, charged with possessing methamphetamine and two counts of breaching a violence restraining order over an incident last month.

But the 38-year-old didn't show up, so Magistrate Geoff Lawrence issued the order at the end of the court day.

Mr Lawrence noted Cousins had contacted his lawyer, Michael Tudori, in the morning to say he was unwell but did not provide a medical certificate.

The magistrate said without anything to confirm Cousins was unwell, he would have to issue an arrest warrant.

Last month, Cousins was granted bail on the charges, but was warned he would be locked up if he breached the conditions.

Magistrate Sandra De Maio also relaxed the restraining order conditions, saying Cousins could communicate with the mother of his children, aged three and five, via text message but only about parenting issues.

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Cousins looked dishevelled, fidgety and agitated during that court appearance after spending a night in a cell.

The Brownlow medallist, who has a history of drug abuse, was suspended from the AFL for one year in 2007 for bringing the game into disrepute.

He made a comeback with Richmond before retiring in 2010.

Since then, his troubles have continued under the glare of the public, most recently in June when he was reportedly treated in hospital after standing in the middle of Canning Highway in Como directing traffic.